Pirelli has been developing new tires for months adapted to the 2026 Formula 1 regulations that change a lot in the tire sector. Specifically, the front tires will be 25 mm narrower and the rear tires 30 mm. This change is made for two reasons: One is the smaller size of the single-seaters from next season and the second is the attempt to reduce their overall weight.
In the pits… the problematic C6
After completing the development tests up to the final test in Mexico, and in view of their final homologation by December 15, Pirelli decided to stay with five tires for 2026: From C1 to C5.
The reason was purely strategic: the company wanted greater differences from one tire to another, both in wear and performance, in order to offer a plurality of strategic choices. In 2025, some tires – such as C2 and C3 – had very little time difference, forcing Pirelli to skip a step at the Belgian and US GPs.
Based on the data collected by Pirelli, the new C6 was too close to the C5, without offering a substantial advantage.When will the 2026 tyre tests take place
The first tests by the teams will take place at the regular Abu Dhabi test on December 9th after the season finale. There, Pirelli will have all the new tyres except the C1, which is considered too hard for the Abu Dhabi track.
To simulate the new 2026 regulations, teams will reduce downforce levels, with Pirelli relying heavily on simulation data, as the 2026 cars have been evolving rapidly in aerodynamic terms since the start of the year.
